Artists of the 16th and 17th centuries seldom painted outdoors because their supplies weren’t portable and landscapes paintings were only incidental backgrounds to their figure paintings. Nevertheless, the oil sketches that Peter Paul Rubens created to solicit commissions and to instruct his assistants have all the dynamic elements of composition, gestured brushwork, and expressiveness that are admired by contemporary plein air artists.

In celebration of the opening of the newly restored Winslow Homer Studio, the Portland Museum of Art will showcase the exhibition “Weatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine” (September 22 - December 30, 2012) the exhibition will features more than 30 major oils and watercolors painted during Homer’s tenure in the Studio (1883–1910).

One of the best promoters of outdoor painting over the past 30 years was Thomas S. Buechner. The New York artist taught workshops, arranged exhibitions, guided collectors and museums, and traveled around the world with his outdoor painting equipment. He was a good friend and supporter of artists like Clyde Aspevig, David A. Leffel, and PleinAir magazine editor Steve Doherty.